The Honda Passport is a popular mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliability. Within the Passport lineup, the EX-L and TrailSport trims offer distinct features and appeal to different drivers. Understanding the nuances between these two models is crucial for making an informed purchasing decision. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the Passport EX-L and TrailSport, covering everything from their exterior design to their off-road capabilities, helping you determine which trim best suits your needs.
Comprehensive Comparison Table
| Feature | Honda Passport EX-L | Honda Passport TrailSport |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Design | Chrome accents, standard alloy wheels, sunroof, power tailgate. | Rugged styling, unique grille, wider track, standard roof rails, skid plates, TrailSport badging. |
| Interior Features | Leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. | Leather-trimmed seats with orange stitching, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation system. |
| Off-Road Capability | Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. | Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with torque vectoring, increased ground clearance, rugged tires, TrailSport-tuned suspension. |
| Safety Features | Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking). | Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking). |
| Engine & Performance | 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque), 9-speed automatic transmission. | 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque), 9-speed automatic transmission. |
| Infotainment & Technology | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HondaLink. | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HondaLink, navigation system. |
| Wheels & Tires | Standard alloy wheels and all-season tires. | Unique alloy wheels with rugged all-terrain tires. |
| Suspension | Standard suspension system. | TrailSport-tuned suspension for enhanced off-road performance. |
| Ground Clearance | Standard ground clearance. | Increased ground clearance for improved off-road capability. |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (with AWD). | 5,000 lbs (with AWD). |
| Price (Starting MSRP) | Generally lower than the TrailSport. | Generally higher than the EX-L. |
| Target Audience | Families and individuals seeking a comfortable and well-equipped SUV for daily driving. | Adventurous individuals and families who want an SUV with enhanced off-road capability and rugged styling. |
| Unique Features | N/A | TrailSport badging, wider track, skid plates. |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | Similar to TrailSport (Around 19/24 mpg). | Similar to EX-L (Around 19/24 mpg). |
| Interior Trim | Standard leather trim. | Unique leather trim with orange stitching and TrailSport logos. |
Detailed Explanations
Exterior Design:
The EX-L features a more refined and classic SUV look with chrome accents and body-colored elements. It's designed to blend seamlessly into everyday environments. In contrast, the TrailSport boasts a more aggressive and rugged appearance. This includes a unique grille, black cladding, and TrailSport badging, signaling its off-road intentions. The TrailSport also has a wider track than the EX-L, contributing to its more imposing stance.
Interior Features:
Both the EX-L and TrailSport offer a comfortable and well-appointed interior. Both trims include leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard in both. However, the TrailSport distinguishes itself with unique orange stitching on the leather seats and TrailSport logos, adding a touch of sporty flair. The TrailSport also includes a built-in navigation system, which is optional or not available on the EX-L depending on the specific model year and package.
Off-Road Capability:
While both trims offer available all-wheel drive (AWD), the TrailSport is specifically engineered for enhanced off-road performance. It comes standard with AWD featuring torque vectoring, which intelligently distributes power between the rear wheels for improved traction on uneven surfaces. The TrailSport also boasts increased ground clearance and rugged tires, allowing it to tackle more challenging terrain. The TrailSport-tuned suspension further enhances its off-road capabilities, providing a smoother ride on rough roads. The EX-L offers AWD as an option, but it's primarily designed for on-road driving and doesn't have the same level of off-road enhancements as the TrailSport.
Safety Features:
Safety is a priority in both the EX-L and TrailSport. Both trims come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead; lane keeping assist, which helps you stay centered in your lane; forward collision warning, which alerts you to potential collisions; and automatic emergency braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a crash.
Engine & Performance:
Both the EX-L and TrailSport are powered by the same robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for both on-road and off-road driving. It's paired with a smooth and efficient 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine's performance characteristics are identical in both trims, meaning you won't experience a difference in acceleration or overall power delivery.
Infotainment & Technology:
Both trims share the same core infotainment features. The 8-inch touchscreen display provides access to audio, navigation (standard on TrailSport), and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. HondaLink, Honda's connected car service, is also included in both models, offering features like remote start, vehicle diagnostics, and roadside assistance. The primary difference lies in the TrailSport's standard navigation system, providing turn-by-turn directions without relying on a smartphone connection.
Wheels & Tires:
The EX-L comes with standard alloy wheels and all-season tires designed for comfortable and quiet on-road driving. The TrailSport, on the other hand, features unique alloy wheels paired with rugged all-terrain tires. These tires provide enhanced grip and durability on various surfaces, including gravel, dirt, and snow. The tires contribute to the TrailSport's improved off-road capabilities.
Suspension:
The EX-L features a standard suspension system tuned for a comfortable and compliant ride on paved roads. The TrailSport boasts a TrailSport-tuned suspension, which is specifically designed to handle rougher terrain. This suspension provides increased articulation and absorbs bumps and impacts more effectively, resulting in a smoother and more controlled ride off-road.
Ground Clearance:
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of the vehicle's chassis and the ground. The TrailSport offers increased ground clearance compared to the EX-L. This increased ground clearance allows the TrailSport to navigate obstacles more easily and reduces the risk of scraping the undercarriage on uneven terrain.
Towing Capacity:
Both the EX-L and TrailSport share the same towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). This makes them capable of towing small trailers, boats, or other recreational vehicles. The engine and transmission are designed to handle the demands of towing, providing sufficient power and stability.
Price (Starting MSRP):
The EX-L typically has a lower starting MSRP than the TrailSport. This is due to the TrailSport's additional off-road features and unique styling elements. The price difference can vary depending on the specific model year, optional packages, and dealer incentives.
Target Audience:
The EX-L is geared towards families and individuals who prioritize comfort, convenience, and a well-equipped interior for daily driving. It's a great choice for those who primarily drive on paved roads and occasionally encounter light off-road conditions. The TrailSport is aimed at adventurous individuals and families who desire an SUV with enhanced off-road capability and rugged styling. It's ideal for those who frequently explore unpaved roads, trails, and other challenging environments.
Unique Features:
The TrailSport distinguishes itself with several unique features that are not available on the EX-L. These include TrailSport badging, which signifies its off-road credentials; a wider track, which enhances stability and handling; and skid plates, which protect the undercarriage from damage when driving over rocks and other obstacles.
Fuel Economy (City/Highway):
Fuel economy is very similar between the EX-L and TrailSport trims. Both models achieve approximately 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The slight differences in weight and aerodynamics between the two trims have a minimal impact on fuel consumption.
Interior Trim:
While both trims feature leather-trimmed seats, the TrailSport adds unique orange stitching and TrailSport logos to the seats and other interior elements. This gives the TrailSport a more sporty and distinctive interior appearance compared to the EX-L's standard leather trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between the EX-L and TrailSport? The biggest difference is the TrailSport's enhanced off-road capability, including standard AWD with torque vectoring, increased ground clearance, and rugged tires, while the EX-L is more focused on on-road comfort.
Does the TrailSport have better gas mileage than the EX-L? No, the fuel economy is very similar between the two trims, with both achieving around 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Is the TrailSport a good choice for everyday driving? Yes, the TrailSport is comfortable and capable for everyday driving, but its off-road features may be unnecessary for those who primarily drive on paved roads.
Does the EX-L have all-wheel drive? All-wheel drive is available as an option on the EX-L, but it's not standard like it is on the TrailSport.
Which trim is more expensive? The TrailSport generally has a higher starting MSRP due to its additional off-road features and unique styling.
Conclusion
The Honda Passport EX-L and TrailSport offer distinct advantages depending on your needs and priorities. The EX-L provides a comfortable and well-equipped SUV for everyday driving, while the TrailSport delivers enhanced off-road capability and rugged styling for adventurous individuals. Carefully consider your driving habits and preferences to determine which trim is the best fit for you.